Pubdate: Tue, 13 May 2014
Source: Times Union (Albany, NY)
Copyright: 2014 Capital Newspapers Division of The Hearst Corporation
Contact: http://www.timesunion.com/forms/emaileditor.asp
Website: http://www.timesunion.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/452
Author: Mitch Earleywine

MEDICAL MARIJUANA A HUMANE OPTION

I was delighted to read Erie County Republican Committee Chairman 
Nicholas A. Langworthy's commentary that urged legislators to vote 
for the Compassionate Care Act. Republicans have a long tradition of 
encouraging help for the sick, including effusive support for medical 
cannabis from Newt Gingrich back in 1982.

Our state legislators can rest assured that research confirms the 
plant's medical efficacy and safety. It reliably helps those 
suffering from AIDS-related wasting, the side effects of 
chemotherapy, symptoms of multiple sclerosis and various types of 
pain. It also shows promise for many other ailments.

Patients can sidestep respiratory irritation thanks to new vaporizer 
technology and edibles. States with medical marijuana laws do not 
show spikes in teen use. They do see significant drops in suicide. 
New jobs and a new source of tax revenue would be great, but, most 
importantly, we could all feel better about helping ill New Yorkers 
receive every humane option for treatment.

Mitch Earleywine, Ph.D.

Professor, psychology, University at Albany

Albany
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